As 2011 comes to an end, we look back at the celebrity relationships that had the tabloids and us talking nonstop. From the relationships that had you oohing and awing to the biggest scandals of the year, here’s your celebrity relationship countdown.
11. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake
After more than four years together and numerous rumors of splits and infidelities, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake called it off in March this year. The two recently reconnected, however, in August and are supposedly better than ever! In fact, rumor has it that Jessica and Justin are now engaged! While the rumor has yet to be confirmed, the denials haven’t poured in either. Whatever it may be, I’m happy these two catches are back together!
10. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
After seven years of marriage, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony announced they were divorcing on July 15. The pair, who got married in a private wedding back in June 2004 at Jennifer’s Beverly Hills home, have two three-year-old children. The marriage was Jennifer’s third and Anthony’s second. I must say I was a little surprised and disappointed… best wishes to both!
9. Britney Spears and Jason Trawick
America’s pop princess is engaged, again! Britney Spears and Jason Trawick recently confirmed the couple are getting married! Britney and Jason began dating in 2009 while Jason was working as Britney’s agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. While their relationship has remained pretty low-key, Britney recently hinted at an engagement via Twitter, writing, “OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!! Xxo.” Jason confirmed their engagement with Access Hollywood later that day. This will be Britney’s third marriage. But hey, third time’s the charm! Congrats Britney and Jason!
8. Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler
Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler have gone through a romantic roller coaster this year – that’s an understatement. The former Laguna Beach and Hills star, and Chicago bears quarterback originally got engaged back in April this year. Just three months later, and two days after Life & Style released a photo spread of Kristin in several lavish wedding dresses, the couple called the engagement off. But the drama doesn’t stop there! On November 16, Life & Style claimed that Kristin had a Vegas affair with Scott Disick, who has been in a committed relationship with Kourtney Kardashian since 2007 and is the father of her son Mason! Kristin denied the rumor saying, “It’s 100 percent not true.” Two weeks later Life & Style released another report suggesting that their engagement was back on. Kristin again denied rumors and told Access Hollywood there was no engagement, adding, “I’d be wearing my ring if that was the case.” Now several engagements, breakups, and rumors later, the couple are happily re-engaged! Kristin recently told People, “We broke up, and we were still talking during that whole time… We loved each other just as much as we always did when we weren’t together.” Glad the couple finally worked things out! For now.
7. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert
It was country music’s royal wedding. After six years together, country music’s prince and princess – Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert – tied the knot on May 14! According to US, the duo exchanged vows while “standing on a cowhide rug beneath an arch made of antlers” in a lantern-lit barn at Don Strange Ranch just outside San Antonio, Texas. And that wasn’t all. The newlyweds held the after party in a reception hall decked out in hunting and fishing gear, and topped it off with a brown wedding cake meant to look like worn leather. Now that’s what I call a country wedding!
6. Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant
In November 1999, 21-year-old Kobe Bryant and 17-year-old Vanessa Laine met on a music video set where she was working as a background dancer. The two began to date and quickly got married in April 2001. Now ten years, two daughters and numerous affairs later, it’s over. Vanessa filed for divorce December 16 citing irreconcilable differences, which I’m guessing has to do with Kobe’s serial infidelity. Bossip.com recently estimated that Bryant’s infidelities number at 105… that’s right, 105. And with the lack of a prenuptial agreement, Vanessa will likely receive $75 million, half of Kobe’s net worth, in addition to spousal and child support. After standing by his side for ten years, I’d say that’s well-deserved compensation.
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5. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
Although these two lovebirds officially started dating back in November of last year, they kept their relationship hush-hush until they made their couple debut at the Oscars this February. While their relationship has remained scandal free – mind you the false break-up rumors amidst the baby mamma drama – Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have been featured in dozens of magazines and tabloids throughout 2011. They’re frequently pictured cozying up to one another on the red carpet, getting steamy on the beaches of Hawaii and Mexico, and grabbing early morning breakfast at IHOP. Justin even rented out the entire Staple Center for a private showing of the Titanic, and more recently a Winnipeg, Manitoba multiplex screen where he and Selena saw Real Steel. I must say, the boy has game. Love em’ or hate em’, these two are absolutely adorable!
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
After 25 years of marriage, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger separated on May 9. Only one week later, on May 16, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold fathered a son more than fourteen years ago with an employee of their household. Arnold confirmed the allegations, saying, “After leaving the governor’s office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago.” But he failed to include that this was only after Maria confronted him with the information, which she confirmed with the housekeeper and mother of the lovechild. Recently, however, TMZ has reported that the marriage may not be over as Maria is rethinking the divorce due to her Catholic background. Does that sound like a soap opera or what?
3. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
It came as no surprise when Demi Moore released a statement November 17 announcing her plans to divorce Ashton Kutcher. Demi hinted at Ashton’s infidelity as reason, saying, “As a woman, a mother and a wife, there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life.” Just weeks before, there were reports claiming that Ashton had a one-night-stand with 22-year-old Sara Leal on the day of his and Demi’s six-year wedding anniversary back in September. Though their marriage wasn’t exactly conventional – given the 16-year age difference – they were often considered the picture perfect couple. I guess all good things come to an end.
2. Prince William and Kate Middleton
It was the wedding of the century. On April 29, Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows as 2 billion people worldwide watched on. The wedding reportedly cost £20 million, all of which was covered by the Royal Family and the Middletons themselves. 1,900 people attended the ceremony in the Abbey; 600 were invited to the luncheon reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Queen; and an oh-so-exclusive 300 were invited to the evening dinner hosted by the Prince of Wales. Prince William popped the question in 2010, nine years after he first met Kate at St. Andrew’s College in Scotland. He went on to give her the same engagement ring his father had given to his mother, Princess Diana. Kate’s living every girls’ dream, showing that an ordinary girl can meet her Prince Charming and have a fairytale wedding.
1. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries
Whether you love them or hate them, everyone knows everything about the Kardashians. And how can you not? America’s obsessed. Turn on the TV, open your web browser, or pick up a magazine and there they are – their brand, their rumors, their five TV shows. 2011 was plagued by the Kardashians and their picture perfect lifestyle; Kim Kardashian, however, proved it was anything but. While Kim may have had her “fairy-tale wedding,” her fairy-tale romance came to an abrupt end. Her and Kris Humphries’ relationship was, well, a little rushed… in every aspect. Within five months of meeting each other, the couple was engaged; three months later, married; and 72 days after the marriage, divorced. Though most were surprised how quickly it ended, the divorce itself came as no surprise. Rumors about the couple’s marital problems began circulating tabloids within days after the wedding. Many now speculate that Kim and Kris’ marriage was merely a publicity stunt to promote the Kardashian brand. Kim’s former publicist has even claimed the short-lived marriage was staged to generate money. Kim, of course, claims these allegations are completely untrue. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how their marriage plays out on Kourtney & Kim Take New York!